Originally posted by bm75 carbon ones are much more sensible to hurts.
thin wall graphite/carbon fiber is easily damaged.
small dings when stressed can end badly.
if you notice a ding try forcing epoxy into the fracture. let it dry...completely. then you can work the patch flush with the surface of the tube.
with a dent...disassemble the leg...work the protruding fiber to the surface (a hardwood dowel with a rounded end works great) .
if the fiber is not torn use the above technique.
otherwise lay an epoxy film over the dent/hole, wrap white thread or polyester monofilament over the damaged area. you can find pictures of the wrapping technique by searching for fishing rod wrapping.
wipe the excess glue off.
let it dry.
work a very thin coat of epoxy over the patch.
to avoid lumps you will need to rotate the tube until the glue dries.
the thread will disappear more or less.
you will have a tube with almost original strength.
I've used this technique to fix arrows, fishing rods and even tripod legs.
regular epoxy works fine, rod wrapping epoxy works much better..it seems to retain some flex and does not yellow.